Exam 220-1201 & 220-1202
CompTIA A+
Start your IT career with the essential entry-level certification.
- Questions
- Up to 90 questions per exam (2 exams)
- Time
- 90 minutes per exam
- Passing score
- 675 (Core 1) / 700 (Core 2)
- Exam price (US)
- $274 USD per exam ($548 total)
Mobile Devices
Following an upgrade, a laptop fails to detect the newly installed storage device. The service manual specifies a 22mm-wide by 80mm-long internal SSD that communicates over PCIe using the NVMe protocol. Which replacement part should the technician install?
Networking
A technician needs a WLAN standard that operates only on 5GHz, supports MU-MIMO, and can deliver gigabit speeds up to about 6.9Gbps. Which standard meets these requirements?
Hardware
After deploying new equipment, a technician connects a multifunction printer to a Windows PC via USB. Plug and Play detects the device, but it appears as “Unspecified,” and print jobs fail with a “driver unavailable” message. The same printer works on another PC. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A+ exam domains
13%
Mobile Devices (Core 1)
Laptop hardware, mobile device connectivity and accessories
23%
Networking (Core 1)
TCP/IP, wireless, hardware, and network configurations
25%
Hardware (Core 1)
Cables, RAM, storage, motherboards, CPUs, and printers
11%
Virtualization and Cloud Computing (Core 1)
Cloud computing concepts and virtual machine setup
28%
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (Core 1)
Hardware, networking, mobile, and printer troubleshooting
28%
Operating Systems (Core 2)
Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OS installation and configuration
28%
Security (Core 2)
Physical security, malware, social engineering, and best practices
23%
Software Troubleshooting (Core 2)
OS, security, and malware troubleshooting
21%
Operational Procedures (Core 2)
Documentation, change management, and professionalism
About A+
CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for launching IT careers. It covers essential IT skills for support roles and is recognized by employers worldwide as proof of competency.
How we help you pass
1,500+ practice questions
Every A+ domain, with a detailed explanation for each answer.
Timed mock exams
Full-length exam simulations with a score breakdown by domain, so you know where to focus.
500+ flashcards
Key terms and acronyms with spaced repetition, so they stick.
Aurora AI tutor
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Frequently asked questions
- Why are there two A+ exams?
- CompTIA A+ requires passing both Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202). Core 1 focuses on hardware and networking, Core 2 on software and security.
- Is CompTIA A+ worth it for beginners?
- Yes! A+ is designed for people with little to no IT experience. It's the most recognized entry-level certification and opens doors to help desk and support roles.
- What order should I take the A+ exams?
- Most people take Core 1 first since hardware concepts are foundational. However, you can take them in any order or study for both simultaneously.
- How long to study for both A+ exams?
- Plan for 3-6 months total. Many students study for Core 1 first (1-2 months), pass it, then focus on Core 2 (1-2 months).
- What jobs can I get with A+?
- A+ qualifies you for Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support, IT Support Specialist, Field Service Technician, and similar entry-level IT positions.
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